Paavo Tynell ceiling lamp

Item number: 145179Category: Lighting
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Information

This rare and early ceiling lamp, model 9060, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1950s, exemplifies the designer’s mastery in combining intricate metalwork with functional elegance. The lamp features a wide, shallow brass shade adorned with finely perforated detailing, a hallmark of Tynell’s work. When illuminated, these perforations create a distinctive star-like pattern that adds a decorative element to the ambient lighting. At the center, a circular brass element encases the light diffuser, directing light downward while allowing a soft glow to emanate through the perforations in the shade.

The lamp is suspended by two slender brass rods that connect to a domed brass ceiling mount, creating a balanced and refined silhouette. The extensive use of brass throughout the fixture lends warmth and sophistication, with a polished surface that has developed a subtle patina over time. Beneath the main shade, an integrated glass diffuser ensures even light distribution, minimizing glare and enhancing the lamp’s atmospheric quality.

Paavo Tynell was one of Finland’s foremost lighting designers, celebrated for his ability to merge organic forms with modernist principles and intricate metal craftsmanship. His collaborations with Taito Oy resulted in lighting pieces that were both decorative and highly functional. The model 9060 holds particular historical significance, having been originally designed for the secretariat room at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, underscoring its exclusivity and cultural importance.

The lamp measures 55 cm in diameter and 50 cm in height (21.7 x 19.7 inches). Its design and condition reflect the timeless elegance and artisanal quality characteristic of Tynell’s work in mid-century Finnish lighting design.

Literature

Finland House: Harmony in Lighting for Harmony in Living, circa 1950, New York, n.p.
Teknillisiä Valaisimia: Idman Osakeyhtiö, no. 140, sales catalogue, Helsinki, p. A 1-7
Idman: Koristevalaisinluettelo (decorative lamps list), sales catalogue, no. 142, Helsinki, 1953, p. 13

Product Details
Dimensions (cm)
H: 50 / : 55
ProducerTaito Oy
ColorGold
Decade1950s
CountryFinland
StyleMid Century, Scandinavian Modern
MaterialBrass, Glass
Designed in1950s
Item Number145179
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Designer

Paavo Tynell

Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) was a Finnish lighting designer renowned for his delicate, poetic approach to light and materials. Often referred to as “the man who illuminated Finland” Tynell played a central role in shaping modern Scandinavian li...

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Disclaimer
All our fixtures are original items and are sold as vintage items, which means that signs of age and use such as patina, scratches or minor variations in finish may occur. These characteristics are a natural part of the object’s history and value.
All lamps are visually inspected and carefully documented with photos in both studio and illuminated conditions. Electrical components are original unless otherwise stated. We always recommend that a qualified electrician review or update the electrical installation in accordance with applicable electrical safety standards in your country.
Color tones and materials may vary slightly depending on the screen or lighting when photographing. Dimensions are approximate.
If you have any questions or requests for more information, you are always welcome to contact us before purchasing.